Irish companies secured a record €24 million in European Space Agency (ESA) contracts in 2024, according to a new report.
This compares to €9.9 million in 2023.
The Space Activities in Ireland 2024 report, published by Enterprise Ireland and the Department of Enterprise, shows that 116 Irish companies have secured ESA contracts since the launch of the National Space Strategy for Enterprise in late 2019.
The publication coincides with the ESA Council of Ministers (CM25) taking place this week in Bremen, Germany.
The Irish delegation, which is led by Minister of State Alan Dillon, is participating alongside 22 other ESA Member States.
"2024 was the most successful financial year yet for Irish space enterprises, with €24 million in ESA contracts secured," Mr Dillon said.
"This underlines the return on Ireland's investment in ESA and the value of international collaboration in driving innovation and sustainable growth," he added.
In 2024, the space technology market was estimated to be worth €436.69 billion and is predicted to increase to €469.61 billion in 2025.
"Ireland's space sector is now firmly positioned as a hub of innovation, with companies developing technologies that reach far beyond space, from AI and quantum communications to renewable energy and climate solutions," said Enterprise Ireland CEO Jenny Melia.
Speaking at the ESA meeting in Bremen this afternoon, Minister Dillion announced Ireland is investing over €170 million in European Space Agency (ESA) programmes between now and 2030.
"Space impacts so much of our daily life, often without us realising. This investment will help Irish businesses grow, create jobs, and tackle big challenges like climate change and cybersecurity," Mr Dillion said.
Ireland will support ESA projects in areas such as: Earth observation (monitoring our planet), Secure communications, Navigation systems, Space transportation, Human and Robotic exploration.
The global space economy is expected to triple in size, reaching $1.8 trillion by 2035.
This investment is part of Ireland's National Space Strategy for Enterprise, which aims to build a sustainable space industry and position Irish companies to compete globally.
